History/Description

Chevrolet rehashed the Camaro badge back in 2010, and this initial generation of the “New Camaro” has often been at or near the top of the segment’s sales charts ever since.

Selection was massive – by way of available six- and eight-cylinder engines, coupe, or convertible body styles, manual or automatic transmissions, and no shortage of special-edition models like the ZL1 and Z28.

All units were two-door four-seaters, and you’ll have little trouble tracking down the model you prefer from the used marketplace.

Engines

For V8 power, you’re looking for a Camaro SS, ZL-1, or Z/28. For extra supercharged punch from the most potent factory Camaro, go for the ZL-1. For something a little more affordable and sensible, seek out a Camaro RS, which came with a V6.

The 3.6-litre V6 engine generated as much as 323 horsepower, while the SS got a 6.2-litre V8 with no less than 400 hp (and 26 more when paired with the six-speed manual).

The ZL-1 used a supercharged variant of that engine, good for 580 horsepower, and the lap-time-focussed Z/28 rocked a special 7.0-litre, 505 horsepower V8.

What Owners Dislike

Common gripes across most models include a low-budget feel to some of the interior trimmings and materials, an awkward driving position that’s been likened to “sitting in a hole”, poor outward visibility, and a sometimes-too-rough ride on some surfaces.

Pro Tips

Pre-purchase Inspection

We’ll start with the number-one best thing you can do for maximum peace of mind before buying a used Camaro. That thing? Arrange a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) with your local Chevrolet dealer. You’ll need to have the seller let you bring the vehicle to the dealer, bring it there themselves, or meet you there.

Many used car lots will make arrangements to have the vehicle delivered to a nearby Chevrolet dealer for this inspection on your behalf.

You’ll need to arrange the PPI with the dealership ahead of time (call a few days before, to make an appointment), and expect to pay about $100–$200 for the inspection.

This is literally your best defence against buying someone else’s problems and headaches – and your investment of a few hundred dollars can prevent you from buying a Camaro that’s concealing a few thousands’ worth of problems.

Consumables

For every used Camaro you test drive, approach the vehicle assuming it needs a new clutch, new brakes, and new tires – and that the seller would rather you pick up the bill – until you confirm otherwise.

Fluid Change

Fresh, quality fluids are the life-blood any vehicle. Though we strongly advise against buying a used Camaro without full service records, remember that a full fluid change can go a long way to added peace of mind. If in doubt, change it out: have the transmission fluid, differential fluid, coolant, brake fluid and engine oil replaced pre-emptively, if you’re not certain that they’re fresh. Don’t forget the cabin air filter too – as most owners forget to change this, which can result in problems.

Avoid Mods

Most shoppers are best to avoid a Camaro that’s been modified by a previous owner. In some situations, modifications can negatively affect the durability of the vehicle, cause excessive wear, result in driveline or suspension damage, negatively affect handling, or even void any remaining portion of the vehicle’s warranty.

Note as well that dealers have clever ways to detect the former installation of warranty-voiding engine electronics, meaning that removing the offending modification may still result in a loss of warranty. For maximum peace of mind, stick to stock.